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Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Natural Area

4.7
·825 reviews·Virginia Beach, United States

A serene natural area with shady trails, lake views, fishing spots, and a playground. Perfect for peaceful walks and family outings.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Lake view

Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Natural Area

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene natural area with shady trails, lake views, fishing spots, and a playground. Perfect for peaceful walks and family outings.

4.7
(825 reviews)

"Beautiful and peaceful. We came for a nice walk/hike that was easy for our kiddo because it's flat."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Trail Mix

Enjoy both paved and natural paths; wear sturdy shoes for the dirt/gravel sections with tree roots.

🎣 Fishing Fun

Popular spot for anglers! Bring your gear for a chance to catch fish from the docks or shore.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 825 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Shady Hiking Trails

Shady Hiking Trails

Explore miles of shaded paths winding through nature, offering serene lake views and a peaceful escape.

Lake Views & Fishing Docks

Lake Views & Fishing Docks

Enjoy picturesque vistas of Lake Smith and Lake Lawson from various overlooks and accessible fishing spots.

Family Playground

Family Playground

A delightful playground awaits, providing fun for younger visitors at the end of a scenic trail.

Painted Rock Area

Painted Rock Area

Discover a charming spot adorned with colorful painted rocks, adding a touch of community art to your visit.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Shade

Beat the heat with Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Natural Area's abundant tree cover. Many trails offer a cool escape, perfect for a relaxing walk even on warmer days. It's a local favorite for a reason!

Trail Variety & Family Fun

Enjoy a mix of paved and natural trails, suitable for all fitness levels. With a playground and scenic lake views, it's an ideal spot for a family outing or a peaceful solo stroll.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Shady trails offer cool respite
Crowd
Medium
When
Anytime
Why
Beautiful year-round
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Are you local to the 757? We love this nature area — amazing park for kids, trails, boat ramps, and views! Visit Lake smith, Lake Lawson nature area! #757 #virginiabeach #localspot #naturepark #visitvirginia
@itsvickymoore
5.9K likes • 79.6K views

👟 Trail Mix

Enjoy both paved and natural paths; wear sturdy shoes for the dirt/gravel sections with tree roots. Reddit

🎣 Fishing Fun

Popular spot for anglers! Bring your gear for a chance to catch fish from the docks or shore. Reddit

📍Lake Lawson Natural Area, Virginia Beach, Va #walktok #fyp #virginiabeach #norfolk #hiketok #nature #naturewalk
@blaxxsugarr
72 likes • 3.9K views
Enjoy the ASMR of walking around VA at Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Natural Area in Virginia Beach, VA #Virginia #VirginiaBeach #ASMR #Walking #Water #DinnieInVirginnie #Virginnie
dinnieinvirginnie
31 likes • 876 views

🌳 Nature's Embrace

Appreciate the abundant shade, making it a great escape even on warmer days. Reddit

🎨 Community Art

Look for the cute painted rock area – a delightful surprise along the trails! Reddit

Bald cypress trees Lake Lawson Lake Smith Natural Area is a beautiful, relatively small park located in Virginia Beach, Virginia that offers a variety of trails for hiking, fishing piers, boating, canoeing, kayaking, as well as opportunities to view various wild life like bald eagles. #lakelawsonlakesmith #virginia #guia #guide #viajes #tours #travel #traveler #turismo #viajar #vacaciones #viaj...
g_tripify
490 likes • 10.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Trail Mix

Enjoy both paved and natural paths; wear sturdy shoes for the dirt/gravel sections with tree roots. Reddit

🎣 Fishing Fun

Popular spot for anglers! Bring your gear for a chance to catch fish from the docks or shore. Reddit

🌳 Nature's Embrace

Appreciate the abundant shade, making it a great escape even on warmer days. Reddit

🎨 Community Art

Look for the cute painted rock area – a delightful surprise along the trails! Reddit

🚗 Easy Parking

Parking is generally easy and convenient, adding to the relaxed atmosphere. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(825 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the peaceful atmosphere and abundant shade at Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Natural Area, making it a perfect escape for walks and fishing. The mix of paved and natural trails, along with a playground, appeals to families, while the easy parking and clean facilities add to its charm. It's a beloved local spot for enjoying nature without the crowds.

"This was a very lovely trail to walk with my family. Part of it is paved and part is gravel/dirt and lots of tree roots. Tons of different views of the water with a playground at the end of one trail and a cute little painted rock area. We will definitely be going back!"

Stephanie Durbin

"Beautiful and peaceful. We came for a nice walk/hike that was easy for our kiddo because it's flat. Clearly a popular spot to fish as well."

Abby Braitman

"Great place to relax, take a walk, enjoy nature, go fishing, and do other activities. There are multiple nice overlooks looking at lake Smith and lake Lawson. This place can be enjoyed at any time of the year."

Andrej Ciric III

What People Like

Peaceful and quiet
Abundant shade
Lake views

What People Dislike

Some trails have tree roots

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Natural Area is accessible by car. It's located in Virginia Beach, offering a peaceful retreat from the city bustle. Parking is usually easy to find. Reddit

Absolutely! It features a mix of paved and gravel/dirt trails, with plenty of shade. It's a great alternative to busier parks like Mount Trashmore. Reddit

While not explicitly stated in all sources, many natural areas allow dogs on leashes. It's always best to check local park regulations before your visit.

The trails offer diverse views of the lake, with some paved sections and others that are more natural with tree roots. The playground is at the end of one trail. Reddit

It's generally considered quieter than more popular spots like Mount Trashmore, especially on weekday mornings. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Typically, natural areas like this offer free admission, making it an accessible and budget-friendly option for visitors. Reddit

Natural areas are usually open from dawn to dusk. It's advisable to confirm specific hours with the local parks department if you plan a very early or late visit.

No advance booking is required for general access to the park and its trails. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Reddit

Yes, reviews mention that bathrooms are available and are kept clean and well-maintained. Reddit

Yes, the park can be enjoyed at any time of the year, offering different natural beauty in each season. Reddit

🎫 🎣 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy walking, hiking, fishing, relaxing, and taking in nature. There's also a playground for kids. Reddit

Yes, it's a popular spot for fishing with multiple accessible spots along the lake. Reddit

While specific picnic tables aren't always highlighted, the park's natural setting is perfect for enjoying a packed lunch amidst nature. Reddit

Expect beautiful and peaceful views of Lake Smith and Lake Lawson from multiple overlooks. Reddit

Yes, it's a great spot for families, featuring a playground and easy, flat trails suitable for children. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The overlooks offering views of Lake Smith and Lake Lawson are prime photography locations. The painted rock area also offers unique photo opportunities. Reddit

Yes, the natural setting, lake views, and diverse plant life make it an excellent spot for nature photography. Reddit

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Reddit

Drone usage in parks is often restricted. It's crucial to check with the local authorities or park management for specific regulations regarding drone operation.

The charming painted rock area is a unique spot that many visitors enjoy photographing. Reddit

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